The Success of Black Myth: Wukong And What It Means for Media
Wukong may not be China’s first global “AAA” hit game, nor the biggest. It's also not the country's innovative, highest acclaimed, or most global hit. But the success of such a title is incredibly important, instructive, and unsurprising.
What China, Marvel, and Avatar Tell Us About the Future of Blockbuster Franchises
An essay on trade wars, unexpected successes, and the once but not future kings of the big screen.
What Is an Entertainment Company in 2021 and Why Does the Answer Matter?
Why is every media company now an “every media” company? What is it that audiences truly want? And what’s the most important goal for a franchise or IP?
Nintendo, Disney, and Cultural Determinism
An essay on what Nintendo does and doesn’t want to be, why, and what this means for its future
Digital Theme Park Platforms: The Most Important Media Businesses of the Future
An essay on theme parks, platforms, and the importance of hugs.
7 Reasons Why Gaming IP Is Finally Taking Off in Film/TV
After decades of fan petitions and dreams, it’s clear that video game publishers, Hollywood, and general audiences are finally ready for gaming IP to be adapted to film and TV. Why now and what does this mean?
The Next Frontier in Storytelling Universes and the Never Ending Desire for More
It’s all been leading to this.
My Blog for 'The Economist': “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” gives the fans what they want
J.J. Abrams takes few risks in the final installment of the Skywalker trilogy. That is no bad thing
My Blog for 'The Economist': Will “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” rebalance Disney’s universe?
Getting the franchise right is crucial to Disney’s future in theme parks, toys and streaming.
Cinematic Universes Aren't New; They're the Oldest Stories on Earth (Marveliad: Eps. I + II)
For millennia, the most popular stories on earth were epic tales of Gods and heroes. Five thousand years later, human culture remains similarly transfixed, albeit on a more modern epic: the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Hollywood’s Video Game Blind Spot
As Hollywood empties its bank accounts for more TV and film assets, it continues to ignore the most ascendant media category. And it can’t afford to do so much longer.
Disney, IP, and "Returns to Marginal Affinity"
A framework for how to think about story/IP-based media companies, the upsides and risks in story ecosystems, and the strongest bear case for Disney’s immediate future.
The Absurdities of 'Franchise Fatigue' and Sequelitis (Or, What Is Happening to the Box Office?!)
Another day, another box office disappointment. Or record. Or franchise hit. Or franchise RIP. Or indie sleeper. Or indie sleep-with-the-fishes. What's going on?
'Star Wars' Fatigue Is a Myth (but Disney’s Mistakes Were Real, Costly and Avoidable)
Following the financial failure of "Solo," many are screaming of “Star Wars" fatigue. But it’s more likely we're seeing the accrued costs of avoidable mistakes stemming from Disney’s prioritization of timelines over creative vision.